September 2026
Rhode Island Chapter
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
1. Roll Call
Dennis Wilson
Cyrus Beasley
2. Administration
August Meeting Minutes
Not saved
Financial Update
Full treasurer’s report available on request:
Email rhodeisland@nemba.org
Bank Balances (Treasurer's report attached)
Balance as of 8/31/26: $45,689
Deposits: $4,500 (Rebates, donations, Diamond Hill camping proceeds)
Chapter/Event Expenses: $677.70
Balance as of 8/1/26: $49,507
Allocated Funds
Echo Lake Project: $42,875.75
Tool Trailer: $700
Available Balance: $6300.75
Grant Funds
$134,648 remaining from 1st RIDEM grant in NEMBA Central account as of 8/1
$64,709.25 paid to Sinuosity for construction completed on 8/7
$69,938.75 anticipated remaining
Payments/Reimbursements
Wayne has been reimbursed for BR
David needs to submit expenses.
Aaron?
Upcoming Meetings
Leadership Meeting – October 6
Do we want to schedule a fall chapter meeting? (No longer at Crafted Hope.)
Recon Beers at Tavern on III(3) - date TBD
Membership
Total Members: 354 (+7 since Aug 1)
Primary Members: 284 (+9 since Aug 1)
Add-On Members: 70
Total of +53 members since Jan 1, our biggest net growth since ‘22 season and our all time highest number of members by far.
Tool Trailer
Storage issue should be resolved by October meeting
2027 Leadership Roles
Time to start thinking about what you’d like to do next year with RINEMBA
3. Rhode Island DEM Updates
Orange Season
Starting September 12. Promo needed
Should be no conflict with a tentative ESC race date of 4/10/27, youth turkey is the week after
Weekly Night Ride Program
DEM special license secured
Kick off on Monday
Promo needed
Ride leader training needed
Winter Trail Grooming
DEM has the proposal. Dennis to pursue.
Big River Management Changes
Big River has transferred to the Forestry Department.
New management will be meeting with users toward the end of the season to discuss new management plans.
Diamond Hill MOU
Willem Cooper is interested. Revisit this winter
Charles Picard to get this moving
NEYC Race – South County Fairgrounds (2027)
No recent updates.
2026 Event Schedule
Lincoln Woods Fun Ride – November 8 (Date approved by DEM.)
Time to start thinking about ‘27 schedule
Swag - event schedule fridge magnet!!
LWs will be the membership ride
Echo Lake Project
Phase 1 construction underway.
Phase 2 wetland permitting in progress.
$220,000 additional funds in process of being secured. PO soon.
4. NEMBA Corporate Updates
Any updates from Wayne or Charles?
RI has a small blurb in Singletracks.
5. Events & Rides
Big River Fun Ride – August 16
Event went excellent despite tough date
New Coordinators David and Aaron did an amazing job!
Sold approximately 160 out of 175 tickets
Membership drive success, at least 12 new members signed up. -lets do this again. 27’?
Rhody Rovers Turkey Run – August 23
Rover event was a great success
Asking for help identifying damaged areas so they can send repair crews
Trails ridden in Arcadia look mostly good, 95 trail - any update on Big River?
Lincoln Woods Fun Ride – November 8
Registration page and Facebook promo page live
Charles is event coordinator - needs from the group?
Watch for a task list.
Already sold 1 ticket!
Weekly Group Rides
Monday: Woody Hill – Fast XC - Liz’s inter-mellow group
Tuesday: Arcadia
Thursday: Big River – Moves to Park and ride 9/10
Tom's Relaxed and Adventurous Ride
Dave’s relaxed intro to night riding
Saturday: Women's Ride with Cheryl
6. Echo Lake Project
Project Status
Construction divided into two phases:
Phase 1: Non-wetland construction - 70% complete
Phase 2: Wetland construction - DEM handling permits
DEM to rebuild entrance and road to central parking area
Mike in front of ambitious signage project with DEM
Project Estimates
Approximately 6.7 miles of new trail planned.
Estimated total project cost: $383,420
Does not include the central bridge, skills park area or permitting costs.
Funding
DEM: Approximately $420,000 total (awaiting final approval).
Additional RINEMBA fundraising: approximately $60,000
Total anticipated project funding: $480,000 (Fully funded if approved.)
Total spent to date: $132,041
Remaining funding: $347,959 (if DEM grant approved)
Grant writing continues for project enhancements not included in the original scope. Thanks, Tabitha!
No sponsorship commitments received yet.
7. Ride Area Updates
Lincoln – start thinking about leaf cleanup ahead of fun ride
Willem chatted with Lime Rock Fire Dept. definitely interested in more comprehensive signage and trail mapping.
Charles has big dreams of Lincoln Woods Bike Park
Diamond Hill –
Woody – Overgrown in spots
Sat 9/7 Westerly track doing some cleanup on XC Up and Down
Run for the pumpkins Oct 3rd
Deflect to group ride in Burlingame
Arcadia – Very Overgrown
Plan a cleanup with the rovers
Big River –
Burlingame –
Ryan Park –
8. New Business
Any new business to discuss?
ESC Tentative return to Diamond Hill on 4/10/2027
NEMBA camping discount?
